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Top candidates reject Bulls job

Finding a new head coach for the Bulls is proving to be a trickier task than expected, according to reports in South Africa.

Supersport allege that a number of candidates have turned down the chance to take over at the three-time Super Rugby champions following the departure of Frans Ludeke.

South Africa assistant coach Johaan van Graan had been the favourite for the role but has chosen to concentrate on working with the Springboks rather than returning to the franchise where his father Barend is CEO.

Former All Blacks head coach John Mitchell and South Africa boss Nick Mallett have also turned down the job.

Perhaps the most surprising name however is Ewen McKenzie. A Super Rugby-winning coach with the Reds in 2011, McKenzie was last employed by Australia but has also rejected the opportunity.

A sticking point has been the fact that many of Ludeke's coaches are still contracted to the Bulls, therefore preventing a new head coach to appoint their own staff.

Nollis Marais has been promoted from coaching the Vodacom Cup side to managing the Currie Cup team.